Jonas Gray hopes to return to Patriots' plans

(3/1/15)Jonas Gray burst on the scene for the Patriots last season, rushing for 201 yards and four touchdowns in a Sunday night game. Just as quickly, he was gone.

Gray overslept and was late for practice, and coach Bill Belichick didn't give him another chance to showcase his skills. Gray was inactive for the Super Bowl.

Gray learned his lesson. "The tough part for me was to watch it, and not participate in a matter I thought I should," he told Dan Hanzus of NFL.com. "But it's motivation going into the offseason. I just know I need to work harder, so I'll never get myself in that position again."

Still on the Patriots, Gray believes he'll get a clean slate next season, and he's spending the offseason preparing himself for the opportunity.

I tell them, I'm going to have a Jerry Rice/Walter Payton mentality where whatever you do isn't enough," Gray said. "I'm going to have a work ethic where I know, in my heart of hearts, I'm going to outwork everybody. That's what I hope to achieve

Gray, who ran for 412 yards on 89 carries in eight games this season, had four carries for four yards in the AFC Championship game for New England. It was his first action in a game since Dec. 21 againt the Jets when he had six carries for five yards.

The game is currently pick'em between Seattle and New England Sunday.

Patriots' Jonas Gray (ankle) hoping to be active for AFC title game

by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com

(1/16/15) Patriots running back Jonas Gray led New England in rushing during the regular season with 412 yards, with most of them coming in a Nov. 16 win at Indianapolis, as he racked up 201 rushing yards and a franchise-best four touchdowns.

Unfortunately, after the breakout game against the Colts, Gray wasn't much of a factor down the stretch. In fact, he was inactive for the final regular season game and last week's divisional playoff win vs. Baltimore due to an ankle injury.

“It would mean a lot, man,” Gray said about receiving carries in Sunday’s playoff game, per the team's official website. “Honestly, it would be -- it would mean a lot. I’m excited, man. Hopefully I’ll have an opportunity, but I’m just waiting and we’ll see what happens. No idea. No idea. Just wait and see. Just like the game plan, you don’t know how things will go.

“Same way with being active and inactive. You don’t know whether you’re going to play or not each week. You want to be able to contribute to winning an AFC championship, being a part of something great. Like anyone else on this team, (I’m) worried about the preparation, doing whatever I can to help the team.”

Tom Brady, Julian Edelman probable for Patriots

Brady is listed with an ankle injury, but should play. He's been listed on the injury report every week this season, but always plays. Edelman is getting over a concussion, but will attempt to play through it.

The team will also have Jonas Gray and Brandon LaFell for the contest. Both players were also listed as probable. Gray is coming back from an ankle issue. LaFell has a shoulder and toe injury.

A good trivia question years from now will be who led the Patriots in rushing yards when they won the Super Bowl in 2014. Not many people will guess Jonas Gray, but he was No. 1 with 89 carries for 412 yards and five touchdowns. Now, Gray did the majority of his production in one game against the Colts with 37 carries for 201 yards and four touchdowns, and while it was a memorable moment, it probably proves he's not someone you can trust in the majority of leagues. He also had just one catch for 4 yards, and he should enter training camp behind at least LeGarrette Blount. Since it's New England, there's always the chance Bill Belichick gives Gray an extended look – probably when you least expect it. But we don't consider Gray a Fantasy running back to target in the majority of leagues. He's only worth a late-round pick at best, barring him winning the starting job in training camp, but that would be a surprise heading into the year.
(Updated 4/22/15)